When I was pregnant with my first child, I read What To Expect When You're Expecting religiously. At the same time, I bought What To Eat When You're Expecting because I had really good intentions. Then after the baby was born, I read What To Expect The First Year almost through to the end. Finally, I purchased What To Expect The Toddler Years only because I'm a little obsessive about having complete sets. I'm not sure if I even cracked that one open.
Now I'm wondering if there was a What To Expect During The Teenage Years When There Is Nothing You Can Do But Watch Your Child Struggle Through This Thing Called Life And Love.
Boy, this teenage stuff really takes a toll. I feel like apologizing to my mom all over again. I can't even get mad because there is really nothing that has been done wrong; it's just a matter of going through the growing pains.
That is, the growing pains of love.
"This is the other side of love... the rough stuff that goes along with it," I said to the child in need. "Do you still think it's worth it?"
There was a brief moment of silence and then a subtle nod of the head, "Yeah, I think it's worth it."
That reply made me happy and sad all the same time. I guess I'm as moody as a teenager. Happy because I wouldn't want my kids to miss any of the joy that love can bring. Sad because I know that the pain that comes with it is inevitable.
It has been a long night, and we still have grade cards to review, vocab definitions to study, and my own homework to finish. Good thing the youngest is in the process of baking brownies and fixing me a cup of coffee.
Chocolate will get us through.
Although that causes me to wonder who will bake the brownies when her turn comes for a broken heart.
Ooooh, now that is a thought that causes me to shudder. I don't think I've seen anything yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment